How To Open a Case
Before you are able to clean the inside of your computer or perform hardware upgrades you have to be able to get inside the case! If you have never opened a computer case before this can seem like a hard task, but with a little instruction and a few items commonly found in a computer toolkit such as a phillips head screwdriver you should have no problems.
Most modern computer cases can be opened by simply sliding a latch that releases the side of the computer. The release latch is usually located either halfway up the side of the computer, or on the top of the computer. On older systems there is often two or four screws that must be removed to take off the computer's side panel. If there are screws instead of a latch, simply remove the screws and slide the side off the computer. If neither a latch or screws are visible there may be a panel that has to be removed or "popped off". These kinds of panels are usually on the front of the system and if you look below the lower lip of the front of the case there is sometimes a release latch while other cases will require you to apply some pressure and pull the panel off. If you are uncertain about how the panel is attached do not apply excessive force. These panels are usually made out of plastic and you could risk breaking the tabs that are holding it in place.
Usually with a little looking around and care you will be able to figure out how to take any case apart no matter what kind of mechanism it uses. Watch the video below to see how most common cases are taken apart.